Arlin Menke, 07-13-04

ADN 07-14-04

HEALY

14-year-old boy on ATV dies after collision with Jeep

A teenager on an ATV died after he cut a corner on a blind curve and hit an oncoming Jeep on Tuesday afternoon near Healy, Alaska State Troopers said.

Arlin Menke, 14, of Healy, was driving his Yamaha four-wheeler on Tope Road when he struck the Jeep, which was traveling in the correct lane.

The driver of the vehicle, William Horsey, 31, of Palmer, attempted to avoid Menke by slamming on his breaks, but the impact caused the ATV to burst into flames and eject the teenager.

Horsey and a passenger in the Jeep, Kayle Bond, 31, of Fairbanks, attempted to assist Menke before emergency medical services arrived. He was flown to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital where he died at 7:45 p.m., troopers said.

-- Anchorage Daily News